The journey to home dialysis starts with modality education, which will have a major impact on the type of treatment chosen. developing leaflets, PowerPoints, DVDs and take-home materials can be time consuming.

In this section we provide information to assist in the teaching of treatment options, with notes on many aspects of pre-dialysis education, together with links to:

alternative language tools

consolidated fact sheets

patient education brochures and DVDs

information sheets

PowerPoint presentations.

Pre-dialysis educationSurveys we have undertaken show that pre-dialysis education is the most significant process in determining choice of dialysis modality.

The role of pre-dialysis educators is clearly established in most education programmes but time limitations may reduce the impact of this role. Highlighting the importance of education, we found that in 2010 only 54 per cent of surveyed patients chose their current modality.

A more recent survey of Australian pre-dialysis education services in 2012 shows that the delivery of pre-dialysis education does impact on the rates of home dialysis.

Influence of health professionalsPatients are influenced by their nephrologists. This is demonstrated by the wide range in uptake of various modalities in different hospitals and even within the practicing group at each site.

Careful examination of programmes is required in order to obtain objective data to determine whether co-morbidities, patient choice or personal bias influences the uptake of home dialysis. Personal biases and beliefs need to be addressed.

Education referralAn official referral pathway is required to capture patients at a time deemed appropriate by individual dialysis units, and prevent late referrals.

Any message to consider home dialysis must be based on the value and belief system of the individual. If the message cannot be sent and received in English, only interpreters trained in health issues should be used.

We have produced fact sheets in 18 languages, which provide information on the topics ‘Are you at risk?’, ‘Chronic kidney disease’, ‘Nutrition’ and all treatment options.

Useful linkTranslations of common dialysis phrases in a range of languages are provided in the Nephrology Resource Guide. On the list of ‘Contents’ choose the ‘Multilingual Communications Guide’. You can download the guide here.

Rural considerationsIn rural and remote areas, renal nurses in satellite dialysis units can perform the education role; however, they must be adequately educated in all modalities and have access to the training materials.

Distance barriers can be overcome by roving educators or teleconferencing. Nurse practitioners conducting remote chronic kidney disease clinics can be a potential model for providing rural education and support.

Information sheetsInformation sheets are available on all the treatment options for end stage kidney disease. The sheets are written in simple language and include photographs. The topics are listed below. You can download any sheet by clicking on the name below.